Snow Storm
Writing prompt 2:
Setting: Rural snow storm
Person: Middle aged dad
Question: Who does he call?
"Note to self...never trust your weather app." Dave opened his eyes and looked up at his phone in disgust. It is still clipped in place on his dash by some insane miracle. It's lit up and seems obscenely bright. The words NO SERVICE spelled out in all caps are like a slap to his already injured face. He breaths in feeling the sharp pain in his likely broken ribs. "Alex is going to kill me...assuming I make it home." He shakes the thought away. "Come on Dave. Don't do that."
He looks up out the broken window, small flakes hitting and instantly melting on his face. The snow outside his small truck reminds him of his mom, when she would make lemon bars. She would use the metal sifter to coat the treat in powdered sugar. The pure sheet of white falling and coating everything. Closing his eyes, he smiles at the memory feeling the tear fall down his cheek.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Do you have to go right now? It looks like this storm isn't going to let up." Alex looks at her husband concern ringing her eyes and furrowing her brow.
"Don't worry. Just a quick trip into town. I promised Jed I would pick up a part for his tractor and..." He crouches down to look at his son, David Jr. "...if DJ is good for his mom, I'll bring him some taffy."
DJ, whose eyes always had the gleam of someone much older than that of four year old nodded, "Some taffy for Chuck too?" He lifts up his red fire truck. Making Dave laugh.
"Hmm, firetrucks don't eat taffy big guy." Dave replies, knowing the kid is just angling for extra candy.
DJ shakes his head, "Chuck does. His favorite is the blue ones."
Dave stands back up ruffling DJ's hair and still chuckling, "Alright, I won't forget to grab a piece for Chuck." He turns back to his wife. Whose concern is far from sated. "You worry too much. It is just a little snow. I checked my phone and it's not even snowing in town." He puts both hands on her hips, pulling her close and gently kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back. Promise."
Alex sighs, but smiles, "Okay." She lifts her head kissing him quickly on the lips. "See you later alligator."
"After a while crocodile." Dave says as he turns, grabbing his keys and heading out the front door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Undoing the seat belt is a harder task than Dave imagined. "Come on arm." His words are a growl of frustration. His right arm is not responding. This is, it is moving but not in the way that he wants it too. He is pretty sure it is broken, but at least the bone seems to have not broken the skin. He shifts slowly, using his other hand to unbuckle the belt. It whooshes over him and he takes another breath, ignoring the pains as they seem to be showing themselves one at a time with each movement.
Opening the door goes better than he thought it would. He had to stand up and open the passenger side door, but his left arm seemed up the task and the door swung open without much fight. The remaining glass falls outside the truck and the snow falling on his face is much stronger now. He grabs his phone and checks it again. Still no service and the battery is floating at 2 percent. He turns it off and puts it in his pocket. "Be mad at yourself later for never charging your phone, right now you gotta move."
Pulling himself out of his truck is painful, seems his ribs and his arm were the worst of it, but he is sure other parts of him were banged up pretty good. Jumping to the ground he is relieved to find that his legs are okay. Turning back to look at his truck it is clear that it is never going to be okay again. Laying on its side being slowly consumed by the snow he feels his heart tighten. "It's just a truck." Holding his arm to his chest he looks around trying to get his bearings. The snowfall was so thick he can't even tell where the road is. "Shit..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*CRRR....SHHH...CRRRR*
Dave frowns, turning the volume all the way down, "Guess I'm not listening to the radio." He looks back out the truck windshield the snow falling gently. The mountains on his left are covered with snow, the white peaks reaching out the sky above. He smiles at them, the mountains always make him feel better.
The roads aren't bad and there are no other cars on the highway leading into the small town of Jacks, Colorado. The first car he sees is when he pulls into the general store that serves as the small towns, grocery store, farm supply, post office, and of course 'The Best Salt Water Taffy in the West.'
Dave very much doubted this claim, but truth be told was not a taffy fan himself. DJ on the other hand had a sweet tooth for days and one every now and then was fine. Kids should enjoy things guilt free.
"Hey ah David!" Only one person called him David, besides his mother. He groaned internally.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Frantz." He waves, begging the universe to keep this conversation short.
She makes her way over to him as he closes his truck door, he notices the snow is picking up now. Starting to stick to the grass and pine trees around the store. "You best not doddle David. This storm is gonna be bad. Can feel it in my knees."
"Oh, I won't ma'am. Just picking up a part for old Jed." He smiles moving towards the door hoping that is the end of that.
But she quickly reaches out and grabs his arm. Her grip strong for an old woman pushing 80. "I mean it. These bones don't lie. You be safe David." Her eyes bore into his, a shiver running up his spine. She lets go just as quickly, heading for her car.
"Thanks...I guess." He mumbles and shakes off the warning. Turning back to the store and walking in.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Just need higher ground. I know I can get a signal." Dave follows the path his truck had taken down into the ditch back up to the road. The snow is so heavy he can't see more than a few feet in front of him, but luckily the truck made a clear route to follow.
He shivers, the wetness of the snow seeping into him. Dave generally liked the cold, but this was a different kind of cold. The kind that feels like hope draining from your body. Each step hurts with the cold. Hurting is good though, as long as he could still feel he was okay. His arm throbbed and he knew that even after healing it was the kind of injury that would make itself known everytime the pressure in the air dropped.
Once he reached the road David took his phone out. His hand was shaking, both with cold and likely with shock. He knew that he'd only be able to make one call. That looking for a signal was likely going to kill the battery but he hoped he could get just one call through. 911 would probably work, but it would waste time trying to describe where he was and it would take them a while to get anyone out here. He had the sheriff's direct number. They played darts every other Tuesday at the only bar in Jacks. Same problem though, her cruiser would be hard pressed to get here without a plow. He knew he didn't want Alex trying to come get him, but every part of him wanted to hear her voice more than anyone else's.
He turned the phone on. As it came to life he decided to call Jed. He had to be the closest and his truck had a plow still attached from the winter. As the lights turned on he sees the little battery is now down to 1 percent, but right next to that he sees one bar of service. Quickly, he presses the little green phone find Jed's name and pressing it.
A few seconds pass and Dave prays it will connect. Finally he hears a ring. "Thank God!" Then another ring. "Please Jed...Please answer..." Another ring.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tractor part in hand and a small bag of candy in his pocket Dave gets back in his truck. There is now a coat of snow on everything. "Darn, looks like it is sticking to the road now." Spring snows are pretty common and this one is probably just setting in. "Better get home, before Alex really starts to worry." This time when he turns on the radio a song starts playing:
~Take me home
Country roads
To the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain momma
Take me home~
"Ha, well can't argue with that." Slowly pulling back onto the highway Dave can see this snow means business now. He drives carefully barely going above 30, much slower than his normal 65. The drive in took him just about half an hour. Half an hour into the drive home an antelope darts into the road.
They tell you not to swerve for animals, but everyone does. No one wants to hit something with their car. Especially when that thing is alive. Dave knew the moment he was in trouble. When gravity stops pushing you into the seat and and you feel all the air leave your lungs. The yell never quite making it out. It's so quiet flying through the air that there is almost a feeling of complete peace. Or maybe your body just knows to stop registering the things that don't matter. It decides that sound doesn't matter, that there will be time for breathing later, that the curse you want to shout is not what will make the impact better.
Then there is too much sound. Too much gravity. Too much air as the truck lands. He doesn't count the rolls or the impacts, he doesn't feel his arm break, he doesn't feel the glass shard that brushes his forehead or the cold air that gusts through the cab. The final crunch as the truck comes to a stop is lost on Dave as his mind, in a last ditch effort to save him, fades to white.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Setting: Rural snow storm
Person: Middle aged dad
Question: Who does he call?
"Note to self...never trust your weather app." Dave opened his eyes and looked up at his phone in disgust. It is still clipped in place on his dash by some insane miracle. It's lit up and seems obscenely bright. The words NO SERVICE spelled out in all caps are like a slap to his already injured face. He breaths in feeling the sharp pain in his likely broken ribs. "Alex is going to kill me...assuming I make it home." He shakes the thought away. "Come on Dave. Don't do that."
He looks up out the broken window, small flakes hitting and instantly melting on his face. The snow outside his small truck reminds him of his mom, when she would make lemon bars. She would use the metal sifter to coat the treat in powdered sugar. The pure sheet of white falling and coating everything. Closing his eyes, he smiles at the memory feeling the tear fall down his cheek.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Do you have to go right now? It looks like this storm isn't going to let up." Alex looks at her husband concern ringing her eyes and furrowing her brow.
"Don't worry. Just a quick trip into town. I promised Jed I would pick up a part for his tractor and..." He crouches down to look at his son, David Jr. "...if DJ is good for his mom, I'll bring him some taffy."
DJ, whose eyes always had the gleam of someone much older than that of four year old nodded, "Some taffy for Chuck too?" He lifts up his red fire truck. Making Dave laugh.
"Hmm, firetrucks don't eat taffy big guy." Dave replies, knowing the kid is just angling for extra candy.
DJ shakes his head, "Chuck does. His favorite is the blue ones."
Dave stands back up ruffling DJ's hair and still chuckling, "Alright, I won't forget to grab a piece for Chuck." He turns back to his wife. Whose concern is far from sated. "You worry too much. It is just a little snow. I checked my phone and it's not even snowing in town." He puts both hands on her hips, pulling her close and gently kissing her forehead. "I'll be right back. Promise."
Alex sighs, but smiles, "Okay." She lifts her head kissing him quickly on the lips. "See you later alligator."
"After a while crocodile." Dave says as he turns, grabbing his keys and heading out the front door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Undoing the seat belt is a harder task than Dave imagined. "Come on arm." His words are a growl of frustration. His right arm is not responding. This is, it is moving but not in the way that he wants it too. He is pretty sure it is broken, but at least the bone seems to have not broken the skin. He shifts slowly, using his other hand to unbuckle the belt. It whooshes over him and he takes another breath, ignoring the pains as they seem to be showing themselves one at a time with each movement.
Opening the door goes better than he thought it would. He had to stand up and open the passenger side door, but his left arm seemed up the task and the door swung open without much fight. The remaining glass falls outside the truck and the snow falling on his face is much stronger now. He grabs his phone and checks it again. Still no service and the battery is floating at 2 percent. He turns it off and puts it in his pocket. "Be mad at yourself later for never charging your phone, right now you gotta move."
Pulling himself out of his truck is painful, seems his ribs and his arm were the worst of it, but he is sure other parts of him were banged up pretty good. Jumping to the ground he is relieved to find that his legs are okay. Turning back to look at his truck it is clear that it is never going to be okay again. Laying on its side being slowly consumed by the snow he feels his heart tighten. "It's just a truck." Holding his arm to his chest he looks around trying to get his bearings. The snowfall was so thick he can't even tell where the road is. "Shit..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*CRRR....SHHH...CRRRR*
Dave frowns, turning the volume all the way down, "Guess I'm not listening to the radio." He looks back out the truck windshield the snow falling gently. The mountains on his left are covered with snow, the white peaks reaching out the sky above. He smiles at them, the mountains always make him feel better.
The roads aren't bad and there are no other cars on the highway leading into the small town of Jacks, Colorado. The first car he sees is when he pulls into the general store that serves as the small towns, grocery store, farm supply, post office, and of course 'The Best Salt Water Taffy in the West.'
Dave very much doubted this claim, but truth be told was not a taffy fan himself. DJ on the other hand had a sweet tooth for days and one every now and then was fine. Kids should enjoy things guilt free.
"Hey ah David!" Only one person called him David, besides his mother. He groaned internally.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Frantz." He waves, begging the universe to keep this conversation short.
She makes her way over to him as he closes his truck door, he notices the snow is picking up now. Starting to stick to the grass and pine trees around the store. "You best not doddle David. This storm is gonna be bad. Can feel it in my knees."
"Oh, I won't ma'am. Just picking up a part for old Jed." He smiles moving towards the door hoping that is the end of that.
But she quickly reaches out and grabs his arm. Her grip strong for an old woman pushing 80. "I mean it. These bones don't lie. You be safe David." Her eyes bore into his, a shiver running up his spine. She lets go just as quickly, heading for her car.
"Thanks...I guess." He mumbles and shakes off the warning. Turning back to the store and walking in.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Just need higher ground. I know I can get a signal." Dave follows the path his truck had taken down into the ditch back up to the road. The snow is so heavy he can't see more than a few feet in front of him, but luckily the truck made a clear route to follow.
He shivers, the wetness of the snow seeping into him. Dave generally liked the cold, but this was a different kind of cold. The kind that feels like hope draining from your body. Each step hurts with the cold. Hurting is good though, as long as he could still feel he was okay. His arm throbbed and he knew that even after healing it was the kind of injury that would make itself known everytime the pressure in the air dropped.
Once he reached the road David took his phone out. His hand was shaking, both with cold and likely with shock. He knew that he'd only be able to make one call. That looking for a signal was likely going to kill the battery but he hoped he could get just one call through. 911 would probably work, but it would waste time trying to describe where he was and it would take them a while to get anyone out here. He had the sheriff's direct number. They played darts every other Tuesday at the only bar in Jacks. Same problem though, her cruiser would be hard pressed to get here without a plow. He knew he didn't want Alex trying to come get him, but every part of him wanted to hear her voice more than anyone else's.
He turned the phone on. As it came to life he decided to call Jed. He had to be the closest and his truck had a plow still attached from the winter. As the lights turned on he sees the little battery is now down to 1 percent, but right next to that he sees one bar of service. Quickly, he presses the little green phone find Jed's name and pressing it.
A few seconds pass and Dave prays it will connect. Finally he hears a ring. "Thank God!" Then another ring. "Please Jed...Please answer..." Another ring.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tractor part in hand and a small bag of candy in his pocket Dave gets back in his truck. There is now a coat of snow on everything. "Darn, looks like it is sticking to the road now." Spring snows are pretty common and this one is probably just setting in. "Better get home, before Alex really starts to worry." This time when he turns on the radio a song starts playing:
~Take me home
Country roads
To the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain momma
Take me home~
"Ha, well can't argue with that." Slowly pulling back onto the highway Dave can see this snow means business now. He drives carefully barely going above 30, much slower than his normal 65. The drive in took him just about half an hour. Half an hour into the drive home an antelope darts into the road.
They tell you not to swerve for animals, but everyone does. No one wants to hit something with their car. Especially when that thing is alive. Dave knew the moment he was in trouble. When gravity stops pushing you into the seat and and you feel all the air leave your lungs. The yell never quite making it out. It's so quiet flying through the air that there is almost a feeling of complete peace. Or maybe your body just knows to stop registering the things that don't matter. It decides that sound doesn't matter, that there will be time for breathing later, that the curse you want to shout is not what will make the impact better.
Then there is too much sound. Too much gravity. Too much air as the truck lands. He doesn't count the rolls or the impacts, he doesn't feel his arm break, he doesn't feel the glass shard that brushes his forehead or the cold air that gusts through the cab. The final crunch as the truck comes to a stop is lost on Dave as his mind, in a last ditch effort to save him, fades to white.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Hello? Someone there?" Jed yells, causing Dave to reflexively pull his back from his ear.
"Jed! It's Dave! Can you hear me!?" Now Dave is yelling. "I need your help. I crashed my truck. I think I am just down the road from your place."
"Dave? Is...you? Can't hear...boy. Speak...." The call is breaking up badly and panic begins to fill Dave's chest.
"Jed! I crashed. Just down the road. Please, my phone is going to...*Beep*" Dave looks down at his now black phone. The scream that leaves his mouth is one that on the surface feels like rage and defeat as he falls to his knees, throwing the phone to the ground. It disappears in the snow.
It takes a moment for Dave to get back up. "Maybe he caught part of that. Just gotta head towards his place. Can't stay here." He picks his phone up out of the snow. A small crack now running along its face feels ominous to Dave. He quickly put it in his pocket. He starts what is likely to be the longest walk of his life with one thought to keep him going Alex's voice saying, 'See you later alligator.'
"After a while crocodile..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where are you Dave?" Alex paces in the living room while DJ playing with Chuck the fire truck. She knows he would come back slow, he is always a careful driver, but it's been almost three hours and despite herself she is worried. Something feels wrong. She pulls out her phone and calls him.
*You have reached the voicemail box of...* She hangs up. "Grrr, he never charges his phone." She begins to pace again. Maybe he took that part to Jed's and now the old man is talking his ear off. I am sure that is it. He is just right down the road. I can feel it. She finds Jed's number her thumb hovering over the call button. Am I being silly? The shiver that runs up her spine tells her she isn't and she presses the name.
"Hello? Someone there this time? Dave? You alright son?" Jed yells into the phone, causing Alex to reflexively pull it away from her ear.
"Jed, it's Alex. Is Dave over there? He went into town to get your part and he hasn't made it back yet." The fear in her voice makes DJ look up from playing. His old eyes looking hard at her. She forces a smile at him and she knows for sure now, something is very wrong.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where is the heck did this snow storm come from?" Jed pulls on his parka. "Crazy weather now a days." At 75, Jed was still pretty spry. "Hope that boy is okay. His wife sure seemed upset." Opening his front door a gust of snow blows right in. Immediately chilling the old mad to his bones.
He makes it to his truck starting it up, brushing the snow off the front windshield, and lifting the plow. "Probably got his fancy truck stuck in a drift." He makes his way to the end of his long driveway. The snow coming down so heavy and thick he wonders if he'll be able to see anything on that road. "Damn it." He catches a glimpse of something black just past his mailbox. "Shit!"
He hits is breaks and flies out of his truck. "Dave! Dave that you!" The black thing isn't moving. As he get closer he sees Dave laying in the snow curled up. He moves faster, reaching out for the young man who had offered to pick up a part for his tractor, knowing the old man just wanted some company for a little bit. His neighbor and friend. Whose little boy was only 4. Whose wife made him cookies every few weeks.
Dave moved then, not much, but he lifted his head. Jed reached him what he saw shocked the old man. Dave's lips were blue and a deep cut on his forehead had left a trail of blood now frozen. He was holding his arm and trying to move and say something, but he was shaking so badly only a few sounds could escape him.
"It'll be okay boy. I got you."
Thanks to Groot for the prompt.
All my best,
Sharebear
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